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Ek Bharat Shreshtha Bharat (EBSB) has been one of the major flagship programmes of the Government to bring in cultural integration of the country as a part of the vision to build a "New India by 2022". The MHRD is the coordinating Ministry for these activities under EBSB.

There is no country like INDIA, quite as diverse, multi-lingual and multi cultural , yet bound together by the ancient bonds of shared traditions, Culture and values. such bonds need to be strengthened through enhanced and continuous mutual interaction between people of varied regions and ways of life so that it encourages reciprocity and secures an enriched value system of unity amongst people of different States in culturally special country like India."Ek Bharat Shreshtha Bharat" was announced by Hon'ble Prime Minister on 31st October, 2015 on the occasion of the 140th Birth anniversary of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel. Subsequently, the Finance Minister announced the initiative in his Budget Speech for 2016-17. Through this innovative measures, the knowledge of the culture, traditions and practices of different States & UTs will lead to an enhanced understanding and bonding between the States, thereby strengthening the unity and integrity of India. All States and UTs will be covered under the programme by pairing of States /UTs at national level and will be in force for one year or till the next round of pairings. The State/UT level pairings would be utilized for state level activities . The activity will be very useful to link various states and districts in annual programmes that will connect people through exchanges in areas of culture, tourism, language, education trade etc. and citizens will be able to experience the cultural diversity of a much large number of States/UTs while realizing that India is one. THE BROAD OBJECTIVES are to celebrate the unity in diversity, to promote the spirit of National Integration, to show case the rich heritage and culture, to establish long term engagements and to create an environment that promotes learning, sharing best practices and experiences. The key Themes include to celebrate the idea of India as a nation wherein different cultural units across varied geographies, Coalesce and interact with each other To celebrate the idea of India as a nation wherein different cultural units across varied geographies coalesce and interact with each other, this glorious manifestation of diverse cuisine, music, dance, theatre, movies & films, handicrafts, sports, literature, festivals painting, sculpture etc., will enable people to imbibe the innate chord of binding and brotherhood.To make our people aware about the seamless integral hull of the Modern Indian State spread across a vast landmass on whose firm foundations, the geo-political strength of the country is ensured to benefit one and all.To impress upon people at large about the increasing inter-connectedness between the constituents of various cultures and traditions, which is so vital for the spirit of nation building.To induce a sense of responsibility & ownership for the nation as a whole through these close cross-cultural interactions as it intends to build up the inter-dependence matrix unequivocally.To further promote inter-state travel for boosting business activities of various hues.

The IIITs have been strong bastions of cultural integration in the country having students from almost across all states. It is therefore, appropriate that this integration is showcased as a part of the EBSB programme. Under this, MHRD is expecting all the IIITs to conduct "EBSB Cultural Days" for the paired states, during which the students of one of the paired states will learn and perform cultural activities of the other paired State. In the best of scenario, this would mean conducting (15) EBSB Days in each Institution. Wherever the performance of the students from the paired States need to be supplemented, suitable assistance from the professional cultural troupes of the paired States may also be taken.